Murasu: Three Districts On High Alert; People Asked To Stay Indoors

Vijayawada:District administrations in the NTR, Krishna and Guntur have stepped up precautionary measures ahead of Cyclone Murasu, which is set to bring ‘heavy to extremely heavy rain’ and strong winds over the next two days.

Residents have been advised to stay indoors, avoid water bodies and follow official advisories.

NTR collector Lakshmisha reached the Budameru catchment at Gudavalli and Enikepadu on Monday and reviewed water flows and vulnerable bunds. He directed officials to remove water hyacinth and waste near culverts and bridges to ensure smooth drainage.

Officials were also asked to keep sandbags ready at weak bunds and ensure round-the-clock coordination among irrigation, revenue and municipal departments. Residents of low-lying areas were advised to remain alert without panicking or believing in rumours on social media.

The NTR collectorate’s control room can be reached at 91549 70454.

NTR police commissioner Rajasekhar Babu said police stations and special state disaster response force teams were on standby. He advised people to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from rivers, canals and streams, and not attempt to cross strong currents.

People were also asked not to park vehicles under trees, electric poles, hoardings or old buildings. Residents of vulnerable localities should move to relief centres, he said.

Guntur collector Saikant Varma warned that heavy inflows from Pulichintala could reach Prakasam Barrage, requiring downstream water releases. Villages along the Krishna in Mangalagiri, Duggirala and Kollipara mandals, including Lanka settlements, have been asked to remain vigilant.

The district could receive 20 to 30cm of rain on Tuesday.

Officials were directed to monitor the barrage, streams and canals every hour, strengthen weak bunds and shift vulnerable residents to relief centres. Special attention should be given to children, senior citizens, pregnant women and new mothers.

A control room began functioning at the Guntur Collectorate at 08632 234014. Mandal-level control rooms have been asked to operate round the clock.

Guntur municipal corporation commissioner Mayur Ashok said drains and culverts had been desilted and teams equipped with JCBs were ready to clear blockages and fallen trees. Hoardings had been removed and old buildings inspected.

Water quality and chlorine levels would be monitored, and residents were advised to drink boiled water. The GMC control room can be reached at 0863 2345103.

Krishna collector Balaji said strong winds could begin on Monday evening. Mandal-level teams led by MPDOs and tahsildars, equipped with cranes and power saws, were ready to clear fallen trees and road obstructions. He advised people to stock essential supplies and medicines for two days, remain indoors and stay away from fallen electric wires and poles. Essential services would be restored promptly after the cyclone, he said.